CELEBRATING 10 YEARS THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Campus is abuzz with excitement about the upcoming 10th anniversary celebrations of the University; and if the events planned for 2014 are anything to go by, the campus community should dust off their dancing shoes and roll-out the red carpet!

The first event on the celebratory calendar will take place on 15 and 16 February when the campus plays host to the regional CANSA Relay for Life initiative. More than 6000 people from across the South Gauteng region took part in the 2013 relay and all indications are that 2014 will again see a record number of people unite to fight against cancer and to honour those who have been touched by the illness.

CANSA Relay for Life is part of an international movement that unites cancer survivors and the communities that care about them. It offers everyone in a community – both young and old, the opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer and to honour those who have been touched by cancer. In short: it represents a unique event that offers communities HOPE: that all of those lost to cancer will never be forgotten; that those who are fighting cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be elimated.

CANSA Relay in South Africa

Relay for lIfe has taken South Africa by storm and int he past year 57 communities participated inRelay for Life events across South Africa. In 2014 over 100 communities will participate in this amazing overnight event.

Activities at Relay for Life

Relay for LIfe teams (10 to 15 members) take turns to walk or run around a track for 12 to 24 hours. The goal is to keep one team member on the track at all times, as cancer never sleeps. Participants enjoy camping out, entertainment, good food, games and community camaraderie.

The event opens with an emotional Survivor’s Lap, honouring cancer survivors and their caregivers. After sunset, tribute is paid in a very moving Luminaria Ceremony by lighting candles inside luminaria bags that encircle the track. These luminaria bags are dedicated to those who have lost their battle, to those who are still fighting, and to those who have won their struggle against cancer.

NWU Vaal and CANSA Relay for LIfe

In 2013 the campus was represented by teams from Marketing and Communication; School of Accounting Sciences; School of Information Technology; School of Behavioural Sciences; School of Educational Sciences; Academic Administration; the Office of the Campus Registrar; the IT Department, as well as the Student Representative Council.

The challenge set for 2014 is to involve every department on the campus – be it within the academic fraternity or the support divisions. The student community will also be mobilised to take part.